Annabel's
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Annabel's is a London nightclub, located at 44 Berkeley Square, London. It was founded by entrepreneur Mark Birley and named after Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart, then his wife.
Annabel's was founded in 1963, after Birley's friend John Aspinall decided that they needed somewhere to party after an evening's gambling. As a result, Birley turned the basement of Aspinall's casino, the Clermont Club, into a nightclub, and named it after his then wife, Annabel, who went on to marry Birley's friend, the late Sir James Goldsmith. Birley later blocked off the private staircase linking the Clermont above.
Annabel's was the first of its kind: a member-only nightclub that catered to an exclusive clientele, including The Prince of Wales, Camilla Parker-Bowles, The Princess Anne, US President Richard Nixon, Aristotle Onassis, Frank Sinatra and the Clermont Set. Entertainers who have played there include Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and Lady Gaga. The sumptuous interior which was originally designed by Birley and designer Nina Campbell, has since been updated by Birley's daughter, India Jane, but the collection of Birley's paintings remain.
Richard Caring
On the evening of 5 June 2007, after more than a year of negotiations, Annabel's was acquired by the clothing tycoon and Ivy owner Richard Caring in a deal thought to be worth £90 million. The deal also included the purchase of four other private members' clubs including Harry's Bar.
